Jain Stories 03

Author(s): Mahendramuni, K C Lalwani
Publisher: A B Jain Shwetambar Terapanth Samaj

Page 66

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JAINA STORIES
begged again and again to be forgiven but Mrigankalekha interrupted,
"I must bave acquired some evil larma in the past. They had come up and I suffered. How could you have prevented them ?
Sagarchandra spent the night with his wife, and before it was dawn he started back to reach the camp in time. None else could know about his coming As this might in future create difficulty for his wife so he left with her bis own ring, and took with himself her necklace.
When a non-ending series of evil karma are pursuing, one bas hardly any respite Mrigaokalekha's condition was no better She was carrying a child when this came to be known, this became a scandal Neither her parentsin-law, nor her own parents would believe in what she said, and not even Sagarchandra's own ring could be of any help to save the lady's honour She was given up by her pear and dear ones
In such a desperate situation, Mrigankalekha fed from her home without telling anyone Now she started on an uncertain course The hot mid-days she spent beneath some tree, and so also the nights In the morning, she would be on her legs But she knew not which road would lead where and soon she was feeling helpless In utter desperation, she gave out a cry, which attracted a merchant named Chitragupta, who was passing by that way. He came to her and consoled her and promised her all possible help Mrigankalekha requested him to give her an escort to the camp of the marching army of the king of Avantidesa
Mrigankalekha now proceeded in the company of the merchant, who had great admiration and regard for her The merchant was very much impressed by the lady's grace and purity But such was her ill-luck that one day she was